Endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Fiberendoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract recently has become a routine diagnostic procedure. This is due to its broad spectrum of applications and to its "reputation" of simplicity and innocuousness. The possible complications of fiberendoscopy, however, are similar to those of rigid endoscopy. Most of these complications can and must be avoided by strict adhesion to elementary precautions: adequate teaching and supervision of endoscopists in training; emphasis on all stages of the patient's preparation, psychological and pharmacological, each adopted to the individual patient and constant awareness of the possibility of complications.